Detecting and activating device

ABSTRACT

A device for detecting a crash of a vehicle and for activating a safety system for passengers of the vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle has a crushable member and a relatively stationary member forming portions thereof. The device includes a cable structure having a cable core and a cable sheath enclosing the core. The cable sheath is fixed in its relationship to the stationary member of the vehicle. Mounting structure secures a first end of the cable core to the crushable member of the vehicle. Additional mounting structure secures the portion of the cable sheath adjacent a second end of the cable core in a fixed position so that the second core end is guided thereby along a path of movement when the first core end is moved during a crash of the vehicle. An activating device is engageable by the second cable core end when moved along its path of movement. The activating device deploys a safety system for passengers of the vehicle when engaged by the second free end of the cable core.

United States Patent 1 Wesselman et al.

[ Oct. 30, 1973 DETECTING AND ACTIVATING DEVICE [75] Inventors: James L.Wesselman, Trenton; Allen C. Wright, Dearborn Heights, both of Mich.

[73] Assignee: Ford Motor Company, Dearborn,

Mich.

[22] Filed: June 7, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 150,316

Primary Examiner-Kenneth A. Betts Assistant Examiner-John P. SilverstrimAttorney-John R. Faulkner and William E. Johnson [57] ABSTRACT A devicefor detecting a crash of a vehicle and for activating a safety systemfor passengers of the vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle has a crushablemember and a relatively stationary member forming portions thereof. Thedevice includes a cable structure having a cable core and a cable sheathenclosing the core. The cable sheath is fixed in its relationship to thestationary member of the vehicle. Mounting structure secures a first endof the cable core to the crushable member of the vehicle. Additionalmounting structure secures the portion of the cable sheath adjacent asecond end of the cable core in a fixed position so that the second coreend is guided thereby along a path of movement when the first core endis moved during a crash of the vehicle. An activating device isengageable by the second cable core end when moved along its path ofmovement. The activating device deploys a safety system for passengersof the vehicle when engaged by the second free end of the cable core.

5 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures Patented Oct. 30, 1973 2 Sheets-Sheet 1DETECTING AND ACTIVATING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Thisinvention is in the field of devices used for detecting a crash of amotor vehicle. Once a crash of the motor vehicle is detected, suchdevices function to activate a safety system for the passengers of themotor vehicle. Several US. patents have already issued on devices fordetecting a crash and activating a safety system. Particular referenceis made to the following U.S. patents which show representative devices:Nos. 3,070,675; 3,485,973; and 3,495,675.

The devices disclosed in the above enumerated patents are generally ofelaborate and complex construction. Since they are elaborate andcomplex, the cost thereof is quite high.

The detecting and activating device of this invention is of simpledesign when compared with the prior art. Since the device is of simpledesign, the cost thereof is reduced as compared to devices known in theprior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a device fordetecting a crash of a vehicle and for activating a safety system forpassengers of the vehicle and, more particularly, to a device fordetecting a crash ofa vehicle and for activating a safety system in avehicle which has a crushable member and a relatively stationary membercontained therein.

The detecting and activating device of this invention has the followinggeneral elements in its construction. A cable structure is providedwhich has a cable core and a cable sheath encircling the same. The cablecore is movable within the sheath. The core has a first end and a secondend extending beyond the ends of the sheath. First mounting structuresecures the cable sheath in a fixed relationship to the stationarymember of the vehicle. Second mounting structure secures the first endof the cable core to the crushable member of the vehicle. Third mountingstructure secures the portion of the cable sheath adjacent the secondend of the cable core in a relatively fixed position. This thirdmounting structure positions the second cable core end so that it isguided by the sheath for movement along a set path when the first coreend is moved within the sheath during a crash of the vehicle. Anactivating device is provided which is engageable by the second cablecore and when moved along its path of movement. The activating devicedeploys the safety system for the passengers of the vehicle when theactivating device is engaged by the second end of the cable core.

In greater detail, the activating device of the invention may take theform of either an electrical system or a mechanical system. Whether anelectrical system or a mechanical system is chosen for the activatingdevice, the device is coupled to deployment apparatus which deploys thesafety system for passengers of the vehicle.

In still greater detail, the crushable member of the vehicle may be itsradiator. In this case, the relatively stationary member of the vehiclecould be the motor vehicles engine. In such a case, when the radiator issubjected to a crush, it moves with respect to the vehicles engine andthereby causes movement of the cable core of the cable structure. Whenthe cable core is moved upon movement of the radiator towards theengine, the second free end of the cable core is displaced along its setpath of movement. This displacement of the cable core results inactuation of the activating device to deploy the safety system for thevehicle passengers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an elevation view, partly incross section, showing the detecting and activating device of thisinvention installed in a motor vehicle.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view, partly in cross section, of an activatingdevice which may be employed with the device of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view, partly in cross section, of a secondembodiment of an activating device which also may be employed with thedevice of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing the details of a protective memberemployed with the device of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT CONSTRUCTION Reference is nowmade to the drawings which show the device for detecting a crash of avehicle and for activating a safety system for passengers of thevehicle. In the drawings, the device of this invention is generallyidentified by the numeral 10. The device is employed in a motor vehicle(not shown) which contains a crushable membensuch as a radiator 12, anda relatively stationary member, such as an engine 14 (shown only inpart). A portion of a fire wall 16 of the vehicle is also shown in FIGS.1 and 2.

The device 10 includes a cable structure having a cable core 18 and acable sheath 20. The cable core 18 has a first end 22 and a second freeend 24 (FIGS. 3 and 4) extending beyond the ends of the cable sheath.The cable core is movable within the cable sheath.

A first set of brackets 2626 are secured at one end to the engine 14 ofthe vehicle. The other end of the first brackets rigidly grip the cablesheath 20 of the cable structure. The brackets 2626 hold the cablesheath in a fixed position with respect to the motor vehicle such thatthe cable core 18 may be moved therewithin.

A set of second brackets 28-28 attach the first end 22 of the cable core18 to the radiator 12. In particular, the first end of the cable core islooped about a fastener 30 and then secured to a first one of the secondbrackets 28-28. The other of the first brackets is secured by means offasteners 32-32 to the top of the radiator.

A protective member 34, shown best in FIG. 5, encircles the cable core18 at a position above a fan blade 36 of the vehicle engine 14. Theprotective member has a plurality of slits 38 therein running along thelength thereof. The protective member is positioned between the firstend 22 of the core and an associated end 40 of the cable sheath 20. Inthis position, the protective member keeps dirt and other materials offof the core of the cable structure so that the same does not becomeinoperative because of deposits of materials thereon. When the first end22 of the cable is moved toward the associated end 40 of the cablesheath, the slits in the protective member allow the protective memberto be deformed by collapsing thereby permitting the relative movement ofthe cable core and the cable sheath.

Mounting structure 42 is secured to the fire wall 16 of the vehicle onthe opposite side of the vehicle engine 14 from the second brackets28-28. The mounting structure 42 engages and rigidly fixes the locationof a second end 44 of the cable sheath 20. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and4, once the second end 44 of the cable sheath is fixed, the second freeend 24 of the cable core 18 is guided along a predetermined path ofmovement when the first end 22 of the core moves within the cablesheath.

The second free end 24 of the cable core 18 of the cable structure isassociated with an activating device, generally designated by thenumeral 46, for deploying a safety system for passengers of the motorvehicle. In FIG. 3 there is shown an electrical activating device 46. InFIG. 4 there is shown a mechanical activating device 46.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3 which shows the electrical activatingdevice 46. In the electrical device, the mounting structure 42 is formedso that it defines a generally closed volume 48 which contains a pair ofcontacts 5050. The contacts are generally in an open position with thefree ends thereof aligned with the path of travel of the end 24 of thecable core 18. A battery 52 and lead wires 54 are provided to connectthe contacts to a gas generation device 56. When an electrical signal isapplied to the gas generation device by a closing of the contacts 50, anair bag (not shown) associated with the device is deployed within theinterior of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The deployment ofsuch a bag is well known in the art and no further discussion thereofwill be undertaken herein.

In FIG. 4 there is shown the mechanical activating device 46 for thedevice of this invention. In this case, the mounting structure 42defines a closed, gas tight volume 58. A gas supply canister 60 intrudespartially within the closed volume 58. The gas supply canister containsa gas under pressure. The canister has a breakable surface 62 thereonwhich seals the canister. This breakable surface may be formed from apuncturable metal surface and it is aligned and in the path of travel ofthe second end 24 of the cable core 18. In this case, the second end ofthe core is sharpened to a point. The point peirces the breakablesurface on the canister when the cable core is shifted within itssheath. A gas supply line 64 connects the interior volume of the deviceto an air bag structure (not shown). When the free end 24 of the cablecore breaks the surface on the canister, the released gas is directedthrough the gas supply line to inflate the air bag in a manner alreadywell known in the art. No further discussion of the air bag deploymentmechanism will be undertaken herein.

OPERATION When the motor vehicle containing the detecting and activatingdevice 10 of this invention is involved in a front end crash, the deviceof the invention will operate as follows. The radiator 12, which iscrushable, is displaced in a direction toward the engine 14 of thevehicle. The engine remains in a substantially stationary positionduring the initial crushing of the front end of the vehicle. Thus, arelative movement is established between the radiator and the engine.The relative movement of these two members causes a relative movement ofthe cable core 18 in the cable sheath 20. This movement is accomplishedas the first end 22 of the cable core is shifted toward the free end 40of the cable sheath. This initial shifting causes the protective member34 to be deformed as previously explained.

If an electrical'system is employed for the activating device 46, theshifting of the cable core 18 causes the to be moved along its path ofmovement. This movement of the second end brings the same into contactwith the breakable surface 62 on the gas canister 60. Breaking of thesurface 62 releases the gas within the interior of closed volume 58. Thegas is, in turn, directed through the gas supply line 64. The gas supplyline is connected to the air bag (not shown) and thus permits inflationof the bag to protect the passengers of the vehicle.

There has been disclosed herein a device for detecting a crash of avehicle and for actuating a safety system for passengers of the vehicle.The device of this invention is relatively simple in construction. Whilethe device has been disclosed as being employed between a crushableradiator and a relatively stationary engine, it is of course obvious toone skilled in the art that the device may be employed between any twomembers. The only requirement is that one member is crushed during theinitial portion of a crash while the other member isrelatively-stationary during the initial portion of the crash. Forexample, the device could be connected between the rear bumper, as acrushable member, and the rear axle, as a stationary member.

In view of the teachings of this specification, many modifications ofthis invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It isintended that all such modifications which fall within the true spiritand scope of this invention be included within the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A device for detecting a crash of a vehicle and for .actuating asafety system for passengers of the vehicle,

the vehicle having an engine and a radiator mounted forwardly of theengine, which device comprises:

a. cable structure having a cable core and a cable sheath enclosing saidcore and shorter than said core so that said core has a first end and asecond end extending beyond said sheath, said core being movable withinsaid sheath;

first brackets mounting said cable sheath in a fixed relationship to thevehicle engine;

second brackets mounting said first end of said cable core to thevehicle radiator with a portion of the length of said first core endexposed from said cable sheath;

mounting structures secured to the vehicle in a position on the oppositeside of the vehicle engine from said second brackets, said mountingstructure engaging the portion of said cable sheath adjacent said secondend of said core thereby to position the engaged cable sheath in a fixedposition, the sheath guiding said cores second end in its movement alonga predetermined path; and

activating means engageable by said second cable core end when movedalong its said path of movement, said activating means for effecting adeployment of the safety system for passengers of the vehicle whenengaged by said second free end of said cable core.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein: said activating means includes: a pairof generally open, electrical contacts positioned in said path of travelof said cable cores second end; electrical means for supplying currentwhen said contacts are closed; and gas generation actuation means forproducing a volume of gas when said contacts are closed and electriccurrent supplied thereto.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein: said activating means includes: aclosed housing adjacent said cable cores second end; a gas supplycanister with a breakable surface thereon, said canister being mountedwith its said breakable surface in said closed housing in said path oftravel of said cable cores second end; and a gas supply line connectedto said closed housing for supplying gas to the safety system of thevehicle; and wherein: the free end of said cable cores second end hasbreaking means thereon for breaking said breakable surface of said gassupply canister.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein: said breaking means of said cablecores second end is a sharp point; and wherein: said breakable surfaceof said canister is a puncturable metal surface.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein: a protective member encloses theportion of said first free end of said cable core between its attachmentto said second brackets and the associated end of said cable sheath,said protective member being deformed when a force is applied theretowhen said core is moved within said cable sheath during a vehicle crash.

1. A device for detecting a crash of a vehicle and for actuating asafety system for passengers of the vehicle, the vehicle having anengine and a radiator mounted forwardly of the engine, which devicecomprises: a cable structure having a cable core and a cable sheathenclosing said core and shorter than said core so that said core has afirst end and a second end extending beyond said sheath, said core beingmovable within said sheath; first brackets mounting said cable sheath ina fixed relationship to the vehicle engine; second brackets mountingsaid first end of said cable core to the vehicle radiator with a portionof the length of said first core end exposed from said cable sheath;mounting structures secured to the vehicle in a position on the oppositeside of the vehicle engine from said second brackets, said mountingstructure engaging the portion of said cable sheath adjacent said secondend of said core thereby to position the engaged cable sheath in a fixedposition, the sheath guiding said cores'' second end in its movementalong a predetermined path; and activating means engageable by saidsecond cable core end when moved along its said path of movement, saidactivating means for effecting a deployment of the safety system forpassengers of the vehicle when engaged by said second free end of saidcable core.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein: said activating meansincludes: a pair of generally open, electrical contacts positioned insaid path of travel of said cable cores'' second end; electrical meansfor supplying current when said contacts are closed; and gas generationactuation means for producing a volume of gas when said contacts areclosed and electric current supplied thereto.
 3. The device of claim 1wherein: said activating means includes: a closed housing adjacent saidcable cores'' second end; a gas supply canister with a breakable surfacethereon, said canister being mounted with its said breakable surface insaid closed housing in said path of travel of said cable cores'' secondend; and a gas supply line connected to said closed housing foRsupplying gas to the safety system of the vehicle; and wherein: the freeend of said cable cores'' second end has breaking means thereon forbreaking said breakable surface of said gas supply canister.
 4. Thedevice of claim 3 wherein: said breaking means of said cable cores''second end is a sharp point; and wherein: said breakable surface of saidcanister is a puncturable metal surface.
 5. The device of claim 1wherein: a protective member encloses the portion of said first free endof said cable core between its attachment to said second brackets andthe associated end of said cable sheath, said protective member beingdeformed when a force is applied thereto when said core is moved withinsaid cable sheath during a vehicle crash.